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From: bjorn@dataio.UUCP (Bjorn Benson)
Newsgroups: net.micro
Subject: Another comment on Copying software
Message-ID: <737@dataio.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 30-Jul-85 06:04:29 EDT
Article-I.D.: dataio.737
Posted: Tue Jul 30 06:04:29 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 1-Aug-85 22:25:51 EDT
References: <28853@lanl.ARPA>
Reply-To: bjorn@dataio.uucpP (Bjorn Benson)
Distribution: net
Organization: Data I/O Corp., Redmond WA
Lines: 33

In article <28853@lanl.ARPA> jp@lanl writes:
>I think that Borland has a pretty good approach for reducing software
>piracy.  
>	...
>If other software producers would take heed, software piracy
>would be a non-problem.

Borland's method only works well for programs like compilers.  I.e.
programs that need an extensive reference manual.  Data I/O sells a
menu driven program to control its hardware which can be used by
anyone (even our salesforce :-)) without a manual.  How do we prevent
copying??

Furthermore, there is the problem of medium sized shops where one
copy of a program (compiler, editor, etc.) is bought and then everyone 
copies it. (one copy per PC)  In this case only one manual
is needed because everyone knows how to run the software and may
only need the reference guide occasionally.  I have cases in mind
where one copy was sold and 6-9 were used... That's theft!

Last but not least, my advice to software manufacturers: you NEED a
low cost multiple unit, single site license.  A case in point:  we
bought one copy of ABC from company XYZ (names changed) for $190.
We found it useful.  We wanted more copies.  I called them for a
"premission to copy" license and they wanted $220 for each copy I made!!
I would have been willing to pay $200 for 5 copies ($40 each) because
I didn't want a manual, support or anything.  This pricing policy
just encourages piracy among small-to-medium sized companies...

					Bjorn Benson
					..!uw-beaver!entropy!dataio!bjorn

(Legally I am responsible for what I say, but my employer is not.)